Neshoba Schools receives $68K robotics grant

The Neshoba County School District will receive a $68,000 grant for its robotics program at Neshoba Central.

“We are excited to have it,” said Superintendent of Education Josh Perkins.

Perkins said the funding comes from the EquipMS Grant program issued by Accelerate Mississippi.  

“The money will go towards upgrades and updates at our robotics engineering lab,” Perkins said.

District officials hope to have the money in place soon so they can begin the project in time to have the updates in place for the next school year. Perkins said the grant will reimburse the school district after they begin the project and said they have about a year to expend all the funds.

The grant issues approximately $1.4 million to career and technical education efforts at 25 high schools and districts across the state. The Neshoba County School District will receive $68,703 for its engineering and robotics program from the EquipMS Grant program.

For comparison, in neighboring Kemper County, The John C. Stennis CTE was awarded $35,336.71 for its construction and carpentry program and the Winston-Louisville Career and Technology Center in Winston County received $126,352 for its industrial maintenance program.

The EquipMS Grant program was established through House Bill 588 which was signed by Gov. Tate Reeves last April. The Mississippi K-12 Workforce Development Grant program aims to provide funding for Mississippi public school districts to modernize, replace, or otherwise enhance priority sector career and technical high school programs. 

“Successful career preparation doesn’t begin after a student receives a high school diploma,” said Courtney Taylor, AccelerateMS Deputy Director for Strategy and Programs. “Our state’s leadership is showing a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce development at all levels and this investment opens doors for students to acquire skills earlier and in more meaningful ways tied to local job opportunities.” 

Funding for these programs is largely targeted at manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, economic development priorities, and construction and agriculture, aligning closely with the local industry’s demands.